Batman has teamed up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash countless times, but sometimes it's refreshing to see him break the barriers of his universe and collaborate with characters from other pop culture realms. These unique crossovers have led to some of the most memorable and unusual comic book stories over the years. From well-known partnerships like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to more unexpected ones like Batman/Elmer Fudd, here are the top 10 best and most intriguing Batman crossovers of all time. Please note that this list focuses solely on stories where Batman is the central figure, excluding Justice League-centric crossovers such as Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.
The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time

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10. Spider-Man and Batman
As two of the world's most iconic superheroes, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man crossed paths. Their long-awaited 1995 crossover was a testament to their shared tragic origins and the intriguing parallels between their worlds. This story cleverly pits them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage, creating a thrilling narrative. The collaboration between J.M. DeMatteis, a seasoned Spider-Man writer, and artist Mark Bagley, adds a familiar touch that resonates well with fans of '90s Spider-Man comics.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
With their dark personas and dedicated followings, Spawn and Batman were destined to share the spotlight. Among their three collaborations, the original stands out for its exceptional creative team, featuring Frank Miller of The Dark Knight Returns fame and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. This partnership results in a gripping and atmospheric adventure that lives up to the hype.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have engaged in numerous crossovers, but their meeting with Batman stands out as one of the finest. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, crafted by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, delivers a dynamic clash of personalities and worlds. It's a joy to see how Batman interacts with the Turtles, and the emotional connections forged between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell are particularly poignant. The success of this crossover led to two sequels and a 2019 animated movie.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------First Wave brings a fresh take on Batman by revisiting his Golden Age roots. Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Rags Morales, this series merges Batman with other pulp heroes like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The result is a thrilling and nostalgic journey that fans wish could have become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
Given that The Shadow was a major influence on Batman's creation, their collaboration in Batman/The Shadow is a fitting tribute. The story kicks off with Batman investigating a murder linked to Lamont Cranston, a man believed to have died decades ago. This leads to an enthralling team-up, expertly crafted by writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando and artist Riley Rossmo. While the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, is also enjoyable, the original remains a standout.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
Despite the decline of the Predator movie franchise, its comic adaptations thrived in the '90s, culminating in three Batman crossovers. The first, with a story by Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert, remains the best. It follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja wreaking havoc in Gotham, delivering a gripping and atmospheric narrative that outshines Predator 2.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are staunch defenders of law and order in their dystopian cities, yet their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, the two heroes must collaborate to stop them. The original story, crafted by John Wagner and illustrated by Simon Bisley, is visually stunning and a must-read for fans of both characters.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Though Grendel may not be as well-known as some of Batman's other crossover partners, their pairing is compelling due to shared themes of violence and vengeance. Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are crafted by Matt Wagner, delivering engaging stories that pit Batman against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, and his futuristic successor, Grendel-Prime. These narratives are so compelling that they make fans wish Grendel were a regular in Batman's world.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.
Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth
Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary series is a sci-fi masterpiece, and their Batman crossover is a highlight. In Planetary/Batman, the Planetary team arrives in Gotham to hunt a killer, leading to encounters with various incarnations of Batman. This story celebrates Batman's rich history, making it a standout crossover that seamlessly blends the Planetary universe with the world of the Dark Knight.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Surprisingly, the best Batman crossover is also one of the most bizarre. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, part of DC's Looney Tunes mash-ups, is a brilliant mix of humor and drama. This story, which scored a perfect 10 in our IGN review, treats Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Marv from Sin City, blending Batman's serious tone with Elmer's comedic speech impediment. Tom King and Lee Weeks excel in creating a deeply emotional and hilarious tale that showcases their mastery of Batman storytelling.
Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.
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AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.